Between the storms, the bureaucracy, and whatever else Crete throws at people in December, the Municipality of Minoa Pediada decided to do something rare: a genuinely valuable action.
From December 5 to 10, they repeat their animal sterilisation and identification initiative, in collaboration with Zero Stray Pawject, hosted in the hall of the Agricultural Association of Avli (Kassanoi district).
If the name rings a bell, that is because this is round two. Round one worked, nobody died, and several animals ended up with a safer future — a Cretan miracle.
This initiative is part of the municipality’s already approved plan for holistic stray and pet management. Holistic meaning:
- Stop the endless litters,
- microchip the animals properly,
- record them like civilised people,
- and try, for once, to reduce the number of puppies dumped behind supermarkets.
In other words: fewer surprises on rural roads, fewer abandoned animals behind dumpsters, and more responsible guardianship across the region.
Volunteers, Prepare Yourselves
The municipality officially calls on volunteer veterinarians, animal welfare groups, hunting associations, and livestock clubs to participate.
Yes, hunters and breeders too — because even if they sometimes disagree with the universe, they still own dogs.
Residents who want to join the programme must apply and bring the necessary documents to the relevant office.
For those who need the phones spelled out:
- 28913 40334
- 28913 40319
More updates will follow in the coming days. And depending on how many people participate, the action might be extended — because in Crete, if something works, we keep doing it until it breaks.
“The Municipality of Minoa Pediada continues its multi-level programme for managing and protecting stray and owned companion animals. This action is another important step toward a municipality without strays and a society that respects all life. We call on residents, associations, and professionals to support this effort and show their love for animals and our community in practice,” said the Mayor of Minoa Pediada, Vasilis Keggeroglou.
From Zero Stray Pawject, programme adviser Ilias Bagiouroukis added:
“Through the targeted actions we are organising again with the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, we try to add one more stone toward a society where no animal is left helpless on the street.”
Argophilia’s translation: Good. More stones. Build the whole wall.
Practical Tips for Residents
Because this is the Survival Series, we add what the municipality forgot:
- Book early. These programmes fill up faster than Easter ferries.
- Bring documents. This is Crete. Everything takes longer when someone forgets a paper.
- Keep your animal calm. Stress makes procedures harder for vets and animals.
- Microchip responsibly. Do not microchip your cousin’s goat for fun.
- Spread the word. The more participation, the bigger the chance of an extension.
And the classic Argophilia motto:
Do not abandon animals. Do not pretend animals “followed you home” during hunting season.
